The controversial funding will be allocated for the renovation of Buckingham Palace.
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In 2025, the British royal family is set to embrace a lot of greenery.
In April, the Sovereign Grant, which helps fund their activities, will rise by more than $56 million, People magazine reported. This will result in a staggering $165 million.
The publication highlighted that the Sovereign Grant refers to the funds allocated to the monarchy from the U.K. treasury. Critics have already labeled the pay rise as "outrageous," especially as the U.K. government faces challenges in securing budgetary resources for other essential expenditures.
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A representative from Buckingham Palace has not yet replied to Fox News Digital's inquiry for a statement.
“While it’s acknowledged that the funds will go towards the restoration of Buckingham Palace, royal expert Ian Pelham Turner informed Fox News Digital that the combined private wealth of the royal family could actually finance the expenses.”
"This adds yet another blow to the royal family… particularly as numerous individuals have seen their winter fuel support from the government cut. Many are now faced with the tough choice of choosing between food and keeping their homes warm during the winter months."
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According to People magazine, the increase was revealed last year. Buckingham Palace emphasized that a significant portion of the funds would be allocated to the ongoing renovations of the property, which are projected to cost $462 million. The repairs are anticipated to be finalized by 2027.
Nonetheless, the palace did not disclose the amount of funds allocated for the renovations.
"This is public money," Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, told Town & Country. The organization "campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy," per its website.
"This entire sum of money is sourced from the government, which is currently struggling to adequately finance schools, hospitals, and police services... it’s outrageous," Smith stated. "It shouldn’t be increasing at all; in fact, it ought to be decreasing."
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British royal expert Hilary Fordwich stressed to Fox News Digital that the pay raise isn’t for King Charles III.
"That is definitely not the case," she clarified, pointing out that it finances all the operational offices within Buckingham Palace and supports its personnel.
"Additional expenditures encompass state banquets, hosting foreign dignitaries, upkeep of royal residences utilized for official functions, general operations of the royal household—which includes all personnel needed for diplomatic events—along with public garden parties and the maintenance of royal estates."
"She explained that additional funds are contributed to their initiatives and charitable causes aimed at benefiting the community. "This is not a personal matter for King Charles III in any way," she emphasized."
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Nevertheless, Pelham Turner remarked that the salary hike does not reflect well on the royal family, especially following the criticism faced by Charles and Prince William in November.
The Sunday Times and a televised program titled "The King, The Prince & Their Secret Millions" claimed that the king and his heir were quietly raking in money through their royal estates, the Duchy of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall.
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The investigation claims that the private estates have been taking in millions from public bodies, including the National Health Service and state-funded schools as well as the British Armed Forces, the New York Post reported.
The Duchy of Lancaster encompasses a private estate of 44,748 acres located in England and Wales, which is owned by the king in his capacity as sovereign.
"A representative informed Fox News Digital that the Duchy of Lancaster oversees a diverse array of land and property holdings."
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"The spokesperson stated, 'It operates on a self-financing basis and does not rely on any public funding for its operations. An Annual Report and Accounts are published, which undergo independent auditing and can be accessed on its website, ensuring compliance with all pertinent U.K. laws and regulatory requirements related to its various business activities.'"
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The Duchy of Cornwall is a private estate of almost 130,000 acres in southwest England owned by William as the Prince of Wales. A spokesperson also emphasized its private status to Fox News Digital.
"The Duchy of Cornwall operates as a private estate focused on commercial success, while also dedicating itself to environmental restoration and creating positive social outcomes for the communities we serve," stated the spokesperson.
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"Prince William became Duke of Cornwall in September 2022 and, since then, has committed to an expansive transformation of the Duchy. This includes a significant investment to make the estate net-zero by the end of 2032, as well as establishing targeted mental health support for our tenants and working with local partners to help tackle homelessness in Cornwall."
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The Sunday Times reported that a comprehensive five-month inquiry uncovered that the duchies are profiting significantly by "levying commercial rents and feudal charges on land predominantly acquired by medieval kings from government agencies, local councils, businesses, mining firms, and the general populace."
People magazine noted the arrangement is problematic because the royals are said to be operating as "commercial landlords" while benefiting from a special agreement "exempting them from paying tax on their corporate profits."
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Pelham Turner stated, "The substantial increase in the Sovereign Grant is bound to provoke greater public discontent, particularly following the backlash regarding the Duchy of Lancaster and Cornwall owned by Charles and William."
Nevertheless, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted the necessity for repairs at Buckingham Palace. Fordwich emphasized that the renovation efforts were started by Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace served as the main residence of the queen for the entirety of her reign until March 2020, when she moved to Windsor Castle due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to People magazine, the palace has been the official London residence for British monarchs since 1837.
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"He elaborated that the renovation of Buckingham Palace was crucial since a significant portion of it, recognized as one of the most iconic official residences globally, second only to the White House, had become obsolete and had not undergone any updates for many years. He emphasized that this is an active palace with a functioning staff. Events like the Changing of the Guard draw numerous visitors, and it serves as the splendid ceremonial route for the Trooping of Colour, in addition to hosting state visits and the State Opening of Parliament."
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"It has been undergoing refurbishment for over a decade—staying within budget and on track," Fitzwilliams explained. "Buckingham Palace remains the unquestionable center of the monarchy and will always hold that status. The renovation is set to last until 2027… In my opinion, the cost of maintaining the monarchy is quite reasonable at just £1.29 per individual. It represents the most prominent monarchy in the world and serves as Britain’s most distinguished expression of soft power. Additionally, it draws significant global media coverage and attracts countless visitors."
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According to People magazine, Charles, who is 76 years old, is using his own funds to redecorate his private suite at Buckingham Palace, with completion expected by 2027. A source had earlier informed The Sunday Times that the royal family is "aware that personal enhancements should not be financed by taxpayer money."
Charles primarily operates from Clarence House, located just a brief stroll away from Buckingham Palace.
According to the palace’s website, the building hosts almost 100,000 guests and attracts over 15 million tourists every year. Its electrical cabling, plumbing and heating haven’t been updated since the ‘50s.
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"The infrastructure of the building requires immediate attention and a comprehensive renovation to avert potential long-term harm to both the structure and its interior," it emphasized. "Implementing a phased approach over the next decade is the most economical method to upgrade these vital services and guarantee that the Palace remains suitable for use for the next half-century."
"The initiative will bring about numerous long-term financial and ecological advantages, along with enhancements to visitor accessibility. Throughout this period, the palace will continue to be inhabited and fully functional."